Senior Subnational Budget Economist

Dt Global; Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta; Remote; IDR 1.002.506.000 - 1.336.676.000; Full time

Job summary

An international consultancy firm seeks a Senior Subnational Budget Economist to analyze public expenditure and revenue data. You will develop brief reports and thematic analyses, working closely with various stakeholders. The ideal candidate has a strong background in economics and experience with public financial management. The position allows for remote work within Indonesia and emphasizes collaboration and strategic communication.

Qualifications

• Minimum 15 years of relevant experience or 7 years if master's degree.
• Experience with Public Expenditure and Revenue Analysis (PERA) at sub-national level.
• Knowledge of local development concepts and planning.

Responsibilities

• Develop concise PERA Provincial research reports.
• Prepare thematic briefs synthesising cross-province findings.
• Provide technical support for PERA dissemination.

Skills

Statistical methodologies

Public policy

Public financial management

Interpersonal skills

Reporting/writing skills

Communication skills (Bahasa & English)

Education

Master’s degree in economics, development studies

Job description

Job Brief

Location: Remote

Program Background

The SKALA Program is a significant Australian investment designed to help Indonesia address regional disparities in development. SKALA will contribute to this objective by strengthening selected elements of Indonesia's large and complex decentralised government system responsible for the delivery of basic services (Layanan Dasar). The SKALA Program's core approach is to facilitate better collaboration (Kolaborasi) between Indonesian government stakeholders, at national and subnational levels, to help realise synergies (Sinergi) that will trigger improved service delivery. Moreover, SKALA will build on, and take to scale, the successes and learning from Australia's previous 19 years of support to Indonesia's decentralised government system. The SKALA Program is to be implemented through the following three pillars:

• Pillar 1: Stronger national level enabling environment for sub-national service delivery.
• Pillar 2: Better sub-national governance for service delivery.
• Pillar 3: Greater participation, representation and influence for women, people with disabilities and vulnerable groups.

SKALA is implemented at the national level with an office in Jakarta and at the subnational level with offices in Aceh, Nusa Tenggara Barat, Nusa Tenggara Timur, Maluku, Gorontalo, Kalimantan Utara, Tanah Papua. In addition to the 3 pillars, SKALA works across 4 general themes of Public Financial Management, Minimum Service Standards, Data and Analysis and GEDSI.

About DT Global Asia Pacific

At DT Global Asia Pacific, we aim to positively impact people's lives through delivery excellence. As a leading implementing partner across Asia and the Pacific, we co-create locally led solutions in partnership with governments, communities, and stakeholders. We bring together talented teams and deep regional expertise to deliver initiatives that promote inclusive economic growth, essential services, and resilient, secure communities. With over 1,500 staff, experts in 22+ countries and more than 60 years of development experience, we tackle complex community, national and transnational challenges — from governance and justice systems to climate resilience, infrastructure and social equity — with innovative thinking and a commitment to long‑term impact.

The Role

Reporting to the Research Lead, the Senior Subnational Budget Economist will provide analytical support and lead the refinement of outputs from the Subnational Public Expenditure and Revenue Analysis (PERA) study conducted by LPEM UI in collaboration with SKALA. The role will focus on extracting and synthesising strategic findings and recommendations from the PERA provincial reports and its consolidated data and repackaging them for targeted audiences.

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About You

Specific Responsibilities

• Develop concise versions of the PERA Provincial research reports by extracting key findings, synthesising insights, and formulating clear recommendations for each of the eight provinces.
• Prepare three thematic briefs that synthesise cross‑provincial findings from the PERA reports and consolidated data. Thematic topics will be identified by the economist and agreed upon with the SKALA and DJPK teams.
• Contribute technical input to the development of the Quality of Spending Index, building on the analysis and evidence generated in the PERA studies.
• Provide technical and operational support for PERA dissemination activities and offer additional input on other relevant issues related to subnational Public Expenditure and Revenue Analysis (PERA).

Other Duties

• Comply with DFAT, DT Global and SKALA policies on gender, disability, fraud and anticorruption, child protection, PSEAH and the environment.
• Ensure compliance and adherence to various operational policies, guidelines and manuals issued by DT Global and SKALA.

Job Requirements

Work environment involves only infrequent exposure to disagreeable elements and minor physical exertion and/or strain. Work may require long, and flexible hours as needed. Travel is based on need.

Deliverables

• 8 concise PERA Provincial briefs: each summarising key findings, synthesising insights, and presenting clear recommendations derived from the PERA research reports.
• 3 thematic PERA synthesis briefs: developed, synthesising cross‑provincial findings from the PERA reports and consolidated data, with topics identified by the economist and agreed with SKALA and DJPK.
• Subnational Government Quality of Spending Index technical note and analysis: technical note on the calculation of the Subnational Government Quality of Spending Index and brief analysis of its result.

Relationship Management

This position reports to the Research Lead and will work closely and effectively with Research Manager and SKALA PFM‑MSS team. The candidate will also be working with a range of stakeholders, including all other Program staff, limited with Operational Staff, GoI, Local Governments, and other external service providers.

Selection Criteria

Essential

• Minimum master’s degree in economics, accounting, management, public finance or any relevant fields with minimum 15 years of relevant experience, or master’s degree in economics, development studies, public policy or other related economic sciences, with minimum 7 years of relevant experience.
• Substantial working experience in engaging with the program relating to public policy, fiscal decentralisation, public financial management, poverty, regional development, especially on Public Expenditure and Revenue Analysis (PERA) at sub‑national level in Indonesia.
• Possess knowledge and expertise in statistical methodologies, particularly in the use of Principal Component Analysis (PCA).
• Have knowledge on local development concept, MSS, decentralisation, and autonomy, as well as local development planning and budgeting.
• Experience working and/or cooperating with the Government of Indonesia especially BAPPENAS, KEMENKEU, and KEMENDAGRI, Local Government at Provincial and District level, and development partners, in supporting local government in planning and budgeting especially in lacking regions, such as Aceh dan Papua.
• Demonstrate ability to conduct capacity development and knowledge sharing for GOI and local Governments as well as SKALA programme staff.
• Strong knowledge on recent national and local policies on macro economy, regional economy, and planning.
• Strong knowledge and expertise on statistical applications.
• Strong reporting/writing skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, and written and verbal communication skills, both in Bahasa and English.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team to achieve goals.
• Understanding of gender equality, disability, and social inclusion issues.

Why join SKALA?

By joining the SKALA, you will be part of an environment where you can collaborate with leading experts from diverse backgrounds, access development programs to achieve your career goals, and be challenged to take a global outlook.

HOW TO APPLY

Please submit

• Your CV
• A cover letter addressing the selection criteria

APPLICATIONS CLOSE Friday, 17th October 2025. Max 5 PM Jakarta Time

Encouraging applications from people with disabilities

As part of our commitment to inclusion, we actively encourage applications from people with disabilities (PWDs). We are also committed to providing reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process and in the workplace to support the success and well‑being of employees with disabilities. Candidates requiring any adjustments to participate equitably may contact SKALA People & Culture unit at and we will work with the candidate to find the right solution. This information is strictly confidential; used solely to strengthen our inclusive hiring efforts and ensure we provide any support needed. Your disclosure will not impact on recruitment decisions.

Should this role be of interest, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. Kindly note only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

DT Global is committed to child protection and safeguarding the welfare of children in the delivery of our international development programs. We are committed to Safety and the Prevention of Sexual Abuse and Harassment (PSEAH), and bribery prevention. DT Global is an equal opportunity employer and we encourage women, men, people with diverse backgrounds and people living with disabilities to apply. This program is funded by the Australian Government and managed by DT Global.